Table

Abstract

A table, especially a club table with a top surface having a central planch or surface portion which is movable with respect to the surrounding table top between a position in which it is flush with the surrounding table top and a position in which it is elevated above the surrounding surface. The central surface portion is supported and moved by a motor and a hoisting mechanism centrally disposed in the table, the region around the hoisting mechanism having storage shelves which are exposed when the planch is moved above the surrounding table top. Three embodiments of drive mechanisms are disclosed.

I claim: 
     
       1. A table particularly of the type known as a club table, comprising the combination of first and second top surface portions;   means for supporting said first surface portion including upstanding support walls and a horizontal member extending between said walls;   means for supporting and moving said second surface portion between a normal position in which said first and second portions are flush and a second position in which said second surface portion is elevated above said first surface portion;   shelf means supported beneath said second surface portion, said means for supporting and moving being effective to elevate said second surface portion to a position in which said shelf means has a major surface flush with said first surface portion;   said means for supporting and moving said second surface comprising   first and second telescoping guide tubes, said first tube depending from said second portion and surrounding said second tube, said shelf means being supported on said first tube;   means for preventing relative rotation between said guide tubes; and   vertically extendible telescoping guide and drive means, substantially surrounded by said second tube, and having one end connected to said second surface and the other end connected to said means for supporting said first surface portion for elevating said second surface portion,   said telescoping guide and drive means further comprising   a tube mounted for rotation in said horizontal member, said tube comprising a lubricant reservoir substantially filled with lubricant;   a spindle nut mounted on said tube for rotation therewith, said nut having an internally threaded central opening;   an externally threaded spindle depending from said second surface portion and engaging said opening in said spindle nut; and   means for rotating said tube.   
     
     
       2. A table according to claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said spindle nut is frustro-conical in shape, forming a reservoir surrounding said central opening; and said nut further includes a drain opening for returning lubricant to said reservoir. 
     
     
       3. A table according to claim 1 in which first and second guide tubes of said means for supporting and moving further includes key and slot means for preventing rotation of said second surface portion relative to said first surface portion.